Newcastle and Aston Villa set to battle for former Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is keen to freshen up his side’s attack following their relegation to the Championship, and has sounded out the possibility of signing Ross McCormack from Fulham.

However, with McCormack likely to command a fee of around £10m, Benitez is also looking at attacking alternatives, and Bamford is another proven Championship performer interesting him.

The 22-year-old won the Championship’s Player of the Year award two seasons ago, with his 17 goals playing a pivotal role in Boro’s run to the play-off final.

Having failed to make a breakthrough with Chelsea, he turned down the offer of a return to the Riverside last summer in an attempt to make an impact in the Premier League, but loan spells at both Crystal Palace and Norwich City proved unsuccessful.

Ideally, Chelsea would like to sell Bamford this summer, but their £9m price tag will put off most suitors and another loan deal is currently considered more likely.

Newcastle, who have been offered the chance to sign Crystal Palace’s Dwight Gayle, hope to be at the front of the queue, but they will face strong competition from Aston Villa, who are also intending to complete a major squad overhaul following their demotion to the second tier.

Roberto di Matteo has been promised significant funds provided Tony Xia completes his takeover at Villa Park, and Bamford is set to be one of the Italian’s leading targets as he looks to guide his new employers back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Newcastle’s attacking options will be enhanced if Aleksandar Mitrovic remains at St James’ Park, and the Serbian underlined his continued ability as he scored his second goal in the space of three international matches at the weekend.

Mitrovic scored a late equaliser as Serbia drew 1-1 with Russia, receiving the ball from Southampton’s Dusan Tadic before drilling home a fierce finish.